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May 13, 2025

Hamas Releases Israeli American Soldier Edan Alexander After Talks with Trump Officials
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Hamas has released 21-year-old Israeli American Edan Alexander from
captivity, more than 580 days after the Israeli soldier was taken
prisoner during Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack. Alexander reunited with
his family in Israel Monday after the Trump administration secured his
release in direct talks with Hamas. The deal was brokered by Trump's
envoy Steve Witkoff, sidelining Israeli negotiators who've refused to
engage directly with Hamas over the remaining 21 captives still believed
to be alive in Gaza. A Hamas official called Alexander's release a
goodwill gesture aimed at securing a new ceasefire with Israel ahead of
Trump's trip to the Mideast.


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